Nonprofits in the region must redefine their community relevance for the Millennial generation as these young adults enter society with a completely different approach to giving.

According to Linda Jones, Vice President of Workplace Campaign for the United Way of Allegheny County, Millennials prefer to give consistently in small amounts as well as volunteer at the organizations they support. They also approach politics differently, rejecting polarized politics and increasingly registering as independents.

These young people, who grew up in an era of instantaneousness, respond best when they can see the impact of their contribution.

“From the political side, we need to demonstrate that something can be accomplished,” says Dana Brown, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University. She adds that once Millennials get established in a neighborhood, they often focus on how to improve their community."

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This program airs Friday February 28, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.

As the bulk of Pittsburgh's Baby Boomer population begins to retire, what does our future workforce and economy look like? What are the political issues that will be most important to our communities? And how will they be addressed by the next generation? Listen to an hour long broadcast devoted to the influence of the Millennial generation in Pittsburgh.